Meitei Group urgently meets Rajnath Singh, demands removal of Assam Rifles amid Manipur Violence

Representatives of the Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee (DMCC), a collective of dominant Meitei groups, met with India's Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, to request the removal of Assam Rifles from Manipur, a state marked by ethnic violence.

Seeking a replacement for Assam Rifles

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which represents these Meitei groups, has been advocating for the removal of Assam Rifles, citing perceived bias and concerns regarding the force's operations in Manipur. They have urged the government to replace Assam Rifles with another security force.

Ethnic violence in Manipur has resulted in a significant loss of life, with at least 175 casualties and around 50,000 people displaced. COCOMI has been actively engaging with the government to address the situation, and its representatives have met Union Home Minister Amit Shah multiple times since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May.

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COCOMI's memorandum to the Defence Minister highlighted concerns about threats from Kuki militant groups and alleged bias displayed by Assam Rifles. Kuki groups have blamed Meitei militant groups for the violence in the region.

Unrest in Manipur

The situation in Manipur has become complex, with various ethnic groups residing in different regions of the state. Central forces, including Assam Rifles, have been stationed in buffer zones to prevent armed individuals from crossing over to launch attacks.

Clashes between Meiteis and Kuki militants have raised tensions. Assam Rifles issued a legal notice to a Manipuri leader who accused the force of siding with Kuki militants. The Manipur Police, on the other hand, accused Assam Rifles of obstructing their pursuit of Kuki militants.

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Central forces have been directed not to allow even state police to cross buffer zones without their accompaniment, given allegations of bias against the state police. The buffer zones aim to prevent further conflict and ensure stability in the region.

The situation in Manipur remains complex and sensitive, with various ethnic and militant groups involved, making it essential for the government to address the concerns and maintain peace in the state.